Notifying the California Department of Motor Vehicles when someone dies

To notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that someone has died, you need to:

• mail the death certificate
• return the driver's license
• fill out a form to transfer ownership
• return any disability parking placards

Legally, you don't need to tell the DMV that someone has died, but it's usually a good idea 

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It's not a legal requirement to inform the California DMV when someone dies — they'll find out when you notify Social Security.

But it's a good idea to let them know. It helps you to:

• prevent identity theft: Canceling the deceased's driver's license helps stop identity theft. This prevents fraudsters from using the deceased's identity.
• stop vehicle liabilities: Telling the DMV about the death helps avoid future charges like tickets or tolls under the deceased’s name.
• ease the estate process: Handling DMV matters early can simplify managing the deceased’s estate. It helps in properly transferring vehicle ownership without issues later.

Though not required, updating the DMV about a death can protect the deceased's estate and make settling their affairs smoother.

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You'll need a few documents and pieces of information to notify the California DMV

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When notifying the California DMV of a death, you need several important documents. Here’s what to gather:

• Certified death certificate: This official copy proves the death. It has a seal from where it was issued.
• Driver's license number: You need this number to help the DMV find the deceased's records. If you don't have the card, check for this number on any DMV letters.
• Vehicle information: Collect the vehicle's license plate number and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). These are needed for vehicle registration changes.
• Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form: Fill out this form from the DMV website if you want to transfer ownership of the deceased's vehicle or cancel its registration.

To notify the California DMV, you'll need to mail your documents and fill in the right forms

Here are the steps to notify the California DMV when someone dies:

Mail the death certificate: Send a certified copy of the death certificate to the DMV. This document cancels the deceased's driver's license and updates their records. The address is DMV, PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001.

‍Complete the necessary form: Fill out the 'Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability' form for any vehicles the deceased owned. You can find this form on the DMV's website.

Return the driver's license: If you have the deceased’s driver's license, send it back to the DMV with the death certificate. Alternatively, you can destroy it to prevent misuse.

‍Return disability parking placards: Mail any disability parking placards to DMV Placard, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001 to stop unauthorized use.

Check with the DMV: After sending everything, contact the DMV to make sure they have updated their records.

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You should return the driver's license of the person who died so nobody can used it fraudulently

When someone dies, you need to manage their driver's license correctly to stop anyone from using it wrongly. Here's what to do, even if the physical card is not available:

• Mail the death certificate: First, send a certified copy of the death certificate to the DMV at PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001. This is needed to cancel the driver's license.
• Return or destroy the license: If you have the deceased’s license card, send it back to the DMV with the death certificate or destroy it safely.
• Provide additional information: If the license card is missing, tell the DMV and give them details like the deceased's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number to help find and cancel the license.
• Confirm cancellation: Call the DMV to make sure they have canceled the license. Check that their records are updated.
• Get written confirmation: Ask the DMV for a written confirmation that the license is canceled. This can be useful for your records.

Following these steps helps protect the deceased’s identity and ensures the driver's license is handled properly.

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Disability parking placards have to be returned, too

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If the deceased had a disability parking placard, it needs to be returned to the DMV. This stops anyone from using it without permission. Here’s what to do:

• Find the placard: Locate the disability parking placard that belonged to the deceased.
• Mail the placard: Send it back to the DMV to deactivate it. Mail it to: DMV Placard, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001.
• Include a note: Add a short note with the placard. Explain that the placard holder has died and you are returning the placard.
• Keep a copy: Make a copy of the placard and your note. Keep these copies for your records.

Returning the placard quickly helps prevent misuse and keeps the system working as it should.

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To transfer ownership of the deceased's vehicle in California, you might need to fill in some forms

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Transferring a vehicle's ownership after the owner has passed away involves several specific steps. Here’s how to complete the transfer:

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1. Submit the death certificate. Mail a certified copy of the death certificate to the California DMV to start the transfer process.
2. Handle the vehicle's title. If you have the original title, use it to sign over ownership. If you don't, fill in a Duplicate or transfer title form (REG 227) to get a new one.‍
3. Fill in transfer forms. The Transfer and reassignment form (REG 262) covers odometer readings and new ownership details.
4. Visit the DMV or send documents by mail. Bring all completed forms to a DMV office or mail them. Make sure every form is filled out correctly.
5. Pay required fees. Fees vary, but you can expect to pay:
   1. Title transfer fee: Around $15 to $30
   2. Registration fee: Depends on the vehicle and area, can range from $60 to over $500
   3. Smog transfer fee: About $8 if needed
   4. Use tax: A percentage of the vehicle's value, varies by county

In some situations, you might need to fill in extra forms. These can include:

• Affidavit for transfer without probate (REG 5): This is for estates that can skip probate. It makes the process faster.
• Non-operation status form (REG 102): Use this if the vehicle will not be used.
• Statement of facts (REG 256): This form is for additional details like tax exemptions

Following these steps ensures legal transfer of vehicle ownership in California. This method keeps everything organized, whether you have the original title or not.

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